All Big 50 companies are ranked according to 2016 total worldwide sales, and all figures are reported in USD (in some cases converted based
on the estimated exchange rate). We obtain information
for publicly-traded companies based on annual reports,
earning statements and company verifications. For the
privately-held companies, we rely on self-reported data
and follow-up interviews. Recently published press
releases and company website information is also used
to supplement data for this report. The Big 50 interviews
were conducted via email, survey and phone by Industrial
Distribution editorial staff.

All Big 50 candidates must have a considerable
presence in the U.S.

We elect to refrain from listing any companies we are
unable to obtain confirmed revenue numbers for and/
or haven’t published company information in more than
3 years, at which point it is difficult to make an accurate
estimation of their placement on the Big 50. Therefore,
there are a small number of companies we estimate
would have earned a place on this year’s list that were
omitted. Those companies include McMaster-Carr, Vallen,
SunSource and Perry Supply.

For those of you who don’t see your company names
(but think you should): Please contact us with your
information and we’ll add you to our pool for next year.
As always, your feedback is appreciated.

Please feel free to reach out to ID’s editor,
Mike Hockett, with comments or questions:
mike.hockett@advantagemedia.com.